RCP bedside vision check tool

The need for clinicians to effectively assess patients' vision also motivated the production of another initiative, this time from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). Shelagh O'Riordan is the RCP's clinical lead for the National Audit of Inpatient Falls, and led the development of 'Look out! Bedside vision check for falls prevention'.

'There is an established link between patient vision and the risk of an older person tripping or falling while in hospital,' she explains. 'All older patients should receive a vision assessment on admission to hospital as part of their care plan, however the latest National Audit of Inpatient Falls revealed that only 48% of patients are receiving this.'

The RCP therefore went on to develop the new vision check tool, which like the Arclight is designed help clinicians assess quickly and effectively whether a patient has an undetected vision problem. 'The tool looks simple,' says Shelagh. 'In fact it took many hours of collaboration between the RCP and experts from British and Irish Orthoptic Society, the College of Optometrists, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, the Royal College of Nursing and NHS Improvement to produce.'

Initial trials of the tool have garnered positive feedback, with more evaluation planned for later on in 2017. 'A patient's whole care plan will change once a problem with eyesight is identified,' concludes Shelagh, 'and part of this plan will include taking measures to compensate for the poor vision to minimise the risk of a fall.'

Both the RCP's tool and the Arclight will prove invaluable in helping clinicians make informed decisions about patients' care. To find out more, follow the links below.

Links:

Renew your membership or join the MDU for your ST1/CT1/GPST1 year

Download the RCP's 'Look out! Bedside vision check for falls prevention' tool

Visionary ideas: the Arclight and RCP bedside vision check tool

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Visionary ideas: the Arclight and RCP bedside vision check tool